CD about ready to come out...Now what?

[Robertt8]

Okay, our band Bag of Toys ( http://www.bagoftoysmusic.com ) is about to self release our first CD. I recorded our band myself at home, and it is now in the hands of a pro in So-Cal. We've heard a few of his mixes and are so far blown away. We're guessing to have the CD ready within the next month or two. We're hoping that we can get some local Bay Area radio stations to play something off of the up coming CD. Do we need to do any contact any of those groups like BMI or anything like that? or would the plays be so small that we wouldn't need to worry about that.

Any other things or companies we'd need to talk to?

Any legal stuff we should worry about?

We're kind of clueless at this point.

[grn]

I'd at the very least copyright the songs (I know they are already copywritten, but register them) and the sound recording itself... which you can do with the one simple form and send it in with a copy of the cd. copyright.gov...

We just did the same thing and it really is so small you don't need to contact ASCAP or BMI because basically you're letting them play this on the radio for free for promotion and publicity... the copyright should cover you legally. I recommend talking to the local independent and community run (like college) stations... they'll play anything basically. I wish I could make our website as sweet as yours...

[Robertt8]

ah...good stuff to know.

another question about UPC codes. do we need this? i hear that if we want to sell in a store or something, we'll that that. I know there are a lot of local stores that will let local bands sell there for free, and we we're thinking of that. I notice that Diskmakers.com ( http://www.diskmakers.com/music/products/dp400.asp ) includes this but DiskFaktory.com ( http://guitarcenter.com/cdduplication/ ) does not. I've heard this can be an extra $100 or so. what's the word with this?

Thanks for the website comment!

actually...i think i just found something on this with a little more digging... http://www.diskfaktory.com/dfshare/info/UPCBarcode.asp
and this... http://www.diskmakers.com/music/products/barcode.asp

[Fieva]

I would think that stores would use the UPC codes in order to track inventory. With the UPC they can track how much of your CD is being sold. Also it helps them keep the books clean as well as you getting screwed. If in fact they are letting you sell there for free with no consignment, make sure you have adaquate paperwork to protect yourself. Not saying that the store is out to screw you over, but mistakes happen and it's easier to happen if you don't plan ahead.

If you don't get UPC codes, I would suggest contracts between you and the store (if you don't already have them) documenting how many CDs they are holding, how much you will be paid for each sale, where your product will be placed, etc. Also have a form handy that can be signed off by yourself and the stores you sell from.

[Robertt8]

ah...good idea.

another question...if you're sending CDs to radio stations n' stuff like that, do you send the full CD that you would sell to the public? I've seen a bunch of those "FOR PROMO ONLY/NOT FOR RESALE" CDs for sale in the used sections of ma' and pop music stores, and they're usually a little more stripped down. Does anyone know about this? I'm guessing that many places will print up cheaper versions to send to radio stations n' that. Anyone know for sure?

[grn]

as far as UPC codes go, I got ours from CD Baby, and yes, it does help stores make it 'easier' to sell, but if they're independent they can do it without one... but if you start selling like thousands of cds in these stores and you HAVE a bar code, record labels will see this on the soundscan reports....

secondly... for radio promotion, you can send the whole cd, this is what we did and we got on about 9 or so stations around virginia... made it easier for us and we just included one sheet of paper explain what we sounded like, who we were, and any other details we thought were important... this seemed to work well...

however, if you have a marketing strategy, you may want to send in a new cd for each single you have (including a few other songs on there) to sort of hype up the cd more as you progress...

[gullyjewelz]

grn -- much respect for your success -- especially since i am in va as well. would you consider collaborating (either artistically or business wise?)

i, for the life of me, can not figure out how to break thru the brickwalls I have run into with radio stations . . . any help would be vastly appreciated!!!!

[grn]

yes, send me a PM and I'll give you my personal email address...

[Robertt8]

ah...more good stuff!

thanks for your help!

[TheManager]

As long as you're pursuing a music career, it's important that you study up on the business. I'm managing a rap group - 3 rappers and a beat man. I make them study from info on websites, books, articles and where ever info can be gained. I also have sitting in meetings. We're new - very, but we are coming along. My advised to you - educated yourself.

[Robertt8]

true, and good point, but you kind of answered my question with my same question. I know i need to know more, but what? I've got "Confessions of a Record Prodcer" ( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846 ) which is actually very interesting and helpful, but it seems to focus more on the pitfalls of getting a record contract. not so much going the indie route, or self release.

[David Hooper]

Call up Oasis CD at 888-296-2747 and ask them to send you a free copy of "CD Release Strategies."

[gullyjewelz]

Originally Posted by TheManager

As long as you're pursuing a music career, it's important that you study up on the business. I'm managing a rap group - 3 rappers and a beat man. I make them study from info on websites, books, articles and where ever info can be gained. I also have sitting in meetings. We're new - very, but we are coming along. My advised to you - educated yourself.

hey manager -- u lookin to take on another client? i could sure use the supervision . . .